PRINCIPAL TYONA WASHINGTON

A native of Harlem, New York, Tyona Washington has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to educational excellence and innovative leadership within her community. Beginning her career as a literacy teacher, she developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within urban education systems. Her early experiences in teaching literacy laid a strong foundation for her subsequent roles in educational leadership.

As the Founding Principal of the High School for Excellence and Innovation, Washington utilized her extensive educational background to design a school that uniquely supports over-aged 8th graders, providing them with essential support from the onset of their high school journey. This initiative ensures that students who are typically behind are given a chance to catch up and succeed academically, reflecting her deep commitment to inclusive and equitable education.

Throughout her career in various leadership roles across several New York City schools, including at Canarsie High School and Maggie Walker - M.S.390, Washington has been instrumental in raising academic standards and promoting effective educational practices. Her efforts have significantly enhanced student learning and retention, particularly in urban settings.

Washington's educational philosophy, rooted in her Harlem upbringing and her initial experiences as a literacy teacher, emphasizes the importance of rigorous and inclusive educational environments that foster personal growth and lifelong learning for every student. Her collaborative work with esteemed institutions like The New York City Leadership Academy and New York University-The Steinhardt School of Education has focused on developing instructional frameworks that accommodate all learners, seamlessly integrating technology and literacy into the curriculum.

Her visionary approach and dedication to educational reform have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Urban Education Award. Tyona Washington's ongoing mission to develop a school community that values student voice and provides ample opportunities for students to discover personal meaning and purpose continues to make a significant impact, shaping the future of education in urban environments and beyond.